Museum of Science and Industry

MOSI is appealing for memories from retired Jewish people who lived and worked in Manchester, particularly in trades such as waterproofing, cap-making and tailoring.  

The information will be used in an upcoming exhibition, in association with the Manchester Jewish Museum, which will look at industries and trades that have been historically linked to the Jewish community.

The Jewish community in Manchester can trace its origins as far back as the 1780s.  By the mid-19^th century, the Jewish population was concentrated mainly around the Red Bank and Cheetham Hill areas to the north of the city centre.  These districts were characterised by thriving Jewish businesses and institutions including schools and synagogues.

Many Jewish entrepreneurs became involved in the waterproofing industry, setting up companies which varied in size from tiny workshops to huge factories.  Isidore Frankenburg founded the Greengate and Irwell Rubber Company which employed about 1,000 people, while other famous companies included P Frankenstein, Cohen and Wilkes and Holstein and Portnoy. Some Jewish waterproofing companies survived until the 1990s.

The Museum hopes to hear from anyone who may have worked in these companies or in other sectors associated with the Jewish community. Any relevant information, objects or stories will be considered for the exhibition.

Josie Sykes said: “The Jewish community was central to Manchester’s success in the waterproofing, cap-making and tailoring businesses and much of that was centred around Cheetham Hill and Strangeways. If you or anyone you know were involved in these trades we would be delighted hear from you. You may have objects that were used in the business, or documents and pictures which help us to tell the story of the Jewish community in Manchester.”

MOSI’s collections from Jewish businesses include a hydrometer from The Greengate and Irwell Rubber Company and a 1940s waterproof immersion blouse made by the Frankenstein Group.

For enquiries about getting involved in the exhibition please call Josie Sykes on Tel: 0161 606 0108 email: j.sykes@mosi.org.uk

For media enquiries please contact: Sarah Roe, MOSI press and publicity officer on Tel: 0161 606 0176, m: 07847 372647

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